Counsellor Fiona Caine answers your problems...

AM I TOO OLD TO BE HAPPY?

I'm in my late sixties and so is my wife.

For some years now, the physical side of our relationship has ceased to exist - at her request.

She has never been a particularly affectionate woman, so I wasn't really surprised when she said she felt she was too old to enjoy things anymore.

I stuck by her because I felt it was my duty, but I now wonder if I have wasted my life, especially as I have recently had a chance of love and affection from a friend.

I could not leave my wife but I am very tempted. Am I too old and just foolish to want to grab at this chance to be happy again?

K. W.

FIONA SAYS: NO, BUT BE CAREFUL

You're not too old and you're not particularly foolish - however, you are married and while it sounds as if that is over in all but name, your wife could still be hurt by disloyalty.

I can understand how you are tempted by the prospect of love and tenderness with someone else, but you need to be honest about your feelings.

If you really can't leave your wife, why put yourself through the agony of loving someone else knowing you cannot be together permanently?

If, on the other hand, there really is nothing left between you and your wife, what is keeping you there?

Exploring what you really want from life - perhaps with a Relate (relate.org.uk) counsellor - might help you clarify things before you make any decisions you later regret.